Denbigh, Monarchs Take Top 2 Places In Regional Gymnastics

VIRGINIA BEACH — For the first time ever, two Peninsula schools finished 1-2 in the Group AAA Eastern Regional gymnastics meet Saturday.

Denbigh won the championship with 104.25 points and Menchville finished second with 102.35. Both advance their full teams to the state meet this weekend at South Lakes High School in Reston.

Team competition is set for Saturday. Individual competition is Friday with five girls representing the district.

Karen Chester of Denbigh repeated her Peninsula District all-around championship with a 35.65 score. She didn't win an individual event, but finished second on both floor exercises and in vaulting, and was fourth on the bars.

Dana Riddick of Denbigh was third in all-around with a 34.95 score.

The top two teams, top six in each individual event and the top three all-around competitors advance to state.

Also moving on to the individual competition are Jenna Brandyberry of Denbigh, and Menchville's Sharon Cole and Melinda Forehand.